The Youth Program - Plainfield Soccer Association

The Youth Program

The Youth Program consists of the U10 and U11 age groups. The Youth program concentrates its curriculum on technical mastery of the ball. It will be the goal of every PSA Staff member to make each Legend player the best on the ball in regards to each individual. This will set them up to have success at the older ages because there is nothing that the game demands of them technically that they won’t be able to do.

The curriculum will focus mainly on the technical repetition of the art of passing, the art of receiving, the creativity of the dribble, and the art of finishing. In addition, small group attacking combinations will also be introduced, but will not be the focus. Small sided games will allow each Legends player to reach this goal. Small sided games allow the staff coaches to teach all the above facets in a simple 2v2 game or even a 4v4 match with keepers. There is always a decision to shoot, dribble, or pass. In order to dribble, pass, or shoot, one must be able to receive it. The PSA staff will make sure their players are fully capable of performing every skill to the best of their ability.

Training will be where all of the teaching takes place. Games will be looked at as their chance to show their parents and their coach the progress they have made recently. Competition is an important factor and will be harnessed during training, so that it will be reflected in the match setting. Competition is the basis of why we play games. The PSA staff realizes this fact and will make sure that each player in the Youth Program competes with 100% effort, but at the same time, make it an enjoyable experience for each Legends player.

The Youth Program of Study

Technical repetition in shooting, passing, dribbling, and receiving
Juggling a soccer ball with all parts of the body
1v1 competition in tight spaces
Small group tactics up to 2v2
Combination play: Wall pass, overlap, and takeover
Developing good training habits
Soccer homework: Don�t put the ball down, work at your craft at home on your own

There is little to say about the impact of results in games. It must remain that way. The focus is to make each individual player the most complete player their potential allows. For this reason, parents should encourage their player to be the best they can be at all times. Practices will last from 75 to 90 minutes in length and take place at least twice a week. Players are expected to bring their own ball and water.